Project Updates - Infrastructure and Planning

The Forrest Caves beach access will be upgraded to improve safety for beachgoers.

Following critical structure strengthening work, completed in 2022, the Nature Parks engaged Deery Consulting to develop designs for a further upgrade to the north and south stairways of this beach access. Designs encompass a redevelopment upon existing footings to minimise habitat and cultural heritage disturbance. The Nature Parks construction team, together with local contractors will deliver the project, commencing late 2024.

WHAT
Beach Access Upgrades

Current upgrades will provide improvement to the north and south stairway structures of the Forrest Caves Beach access. Improvements include a reconfiguration of stairs and landings and replacement of deteriorating timbers and fixings including non-slip materials. Construction will commence 28 October 2024. Works are planned to be undertaken in two stages to prevent disruption during peak summer season. Completion is expected by June 2025.

North and south stairways

Upgrade of the structure will take place upon existing alignment, utilising existing posts and footings where possible following an extensive engineering audit.  Replacement of timber bearers, joists, handrails will take place as well as the implementation of nonslip decking and treads.

Beach access track/gravel path

Minor upgrades to existing gravel path will include improving pathway treatment and defining track edges.

Dune top boardwalk and viewing deck

Minor improvements to previously upgraded section including handrails.

Previous work
The current upgrades follow critical structure strengthening work completed in 2022 whereby the implementation of screw piles secured the southern-most component of the stairway structure previously impacted by beach erosion.

In 2015, the dune-top boardwalk and lookout was upgraded.

HOW 

Managing Impacts

The following permits and consent have been acquired for the works:

• Council Planning Permit
• Marine and Coastal Consent (DEECA)

This project has involved consultation with key stakeholders to avoid or minimise impacts to Aboriginal cultural heritage, flora, and fauna.  Impacts to Aboriginal cultural heritage and Flora and fauna are being managed through designs to utilise existing footings and a reconfiguration of stairs and landings to avoid excavation 
A Construction Environmental Management Plan has been developed.

The project is jointly funded by Nature Parks and the State Government through a Coastal and Public Access Risk grant.

Beach Access Closure

The main Forrest Caves beach access (from carpark to beach) will be closed during construction periods.

Forrest Caves beach will remain accessible from alternate beach access point 800m to the west of the Forrest Caves car park. This is accessed by The Esplanade, near to Bruce Avenue at Surf Beach. This beach access is a sand track leading to a beach stairway.  Please follow directions of signage, staff, and contractors during this time for your safety. 

WHY 

The Nature Parks has a long-term vision focused on upgrading and maintaining the ageing infrastructure across our beaches and reserves to support our growing visitation and improve our visitor experience for all. 
BEACH SAFETY

Download the Surf Life Saving Beachsafe app and access important information available on the Life Saving Victoria website and throughout the Visitor Information Centres. 
Warning, swimming is not advised at Forrest Caves or Forrest Caves (Bruce Ave), visit here for more information. 

FURTHER INFORMATION 

During construction works please expect closures to the main Forrest Caves Beach Access. 

Signage and staff will be available to assist you during this time. 

Contact: Community@penguins.org.au

The world-famous Penguin Parade is Victoria’s most popular regional tourism attraction, and one of the top five nature-based attractions in Australia. 
In 2022 Phillip Island Nature Parks finalised detailed designs to reinvigorate the Penguin Parade boardwalks and viewing stands to deliver the final stage of the Summerland Peninsula Master Plan. 
The Nature Parks has been successful in securing partial funding for the $37.8M project with a $5 million grant through the Regional Tourism Investment Fund and additional funding through the State Government enabling the construction of new boardwalks and upgrade of ageing infrastructure. 
Terroir Architects in partnership with Simpson Construction have been engaged to design and construct this exciting project to ensure the Penguin Parade remains a world class ecotourism destination. 

WHAT
New Outbound Boardwalk
The construction of a new all accessible boardwalk, creating an improved looped visitor experience to connect visitors with nature.  This new boardwalk will provide a Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) compliant walkway to the Penguin Parade viewing stands. 
Construction will commence 1 May 2024, outside the penguin breeding and shearwater migration period.  Completion is expected by December 2024. 

HOW 

This project has involved consultation with key stakeholders to avoid or minimise impacts to Aboriginal cultural heritage, flora, and fauna. 
Impacts to Aboriginal cultural heritage are being managed through a Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation approved Cultural Heritage Management Plan. 
Flora and fauna impact is being managed through a comprehensive biodiversity assessment and a Construction Environmental Management Plan. 

WHY 

The Nature Parks has a long-term vision to create a holistic experience to immerse our visitors in nature across the Summerland Peninsula.  We have focused our funding to restore the ageing infrastructure at the Penguin Parade to support our growing visitation and improve our visitor experience for all. 

FURTHER INFORMATION 

During construction works please expect some minor delays in accessing the viewing stands. 
Please allow extra time to get to and from the viewing platforms if you are on a bus tour or time restriction. 
Signage and staff will be available to assist you during this time. 

Accessibility 
A buggy service will continue to operate throughout the construction periods for sections of the boardwalk. 
Your own personal wheelchair or other aiding device is recommended. 
Please telephone 03 5951 2830 for further information on your individual requirements. 

Closures

Day time impacts 
Some delays may be experienced accessing Summerland Beach throughout the day. 
You may experience work vehicles accessing the pathways and closures of Penguins Plus and Guided Penguin Tour stands. 
Delays and restricted access may occur from 1 May to December 2024. 
Please follow directions of signage, staff, and contractors during this time for your safety. 

The Pyramid Rock toilet has been upgraded as part of the asset renewal program by Phillip Island Nature Parks. The redeveloped amenity delivers a new, accessible, gender-neutral off-grid facility. This project was supported by the Victorian State Government Department of Families, Fairness and Housing as part of the Universal Design Funding Round 2022.

Upgrades to the Gull Island Lookout structure have been completed to improve safety for trail users.

The upgraded structure was completed in October 2024.

Upgrades and improvements include:

·       Retreat structure from proximity to cliff edge with partial demolition of existing deck area

·       Upgrade of existing 'anchor point' footings

·       Rebuild viewing area

·       Replacement of deteriorating materials

·       Installation of non-slip decking material

·       Reforming entry path

Illustration of design which encompasses demolition of front portion of lookout and above ground extension.

WHY   

The Nature Parks has a long-term vision focused on upgrading and maintaining the ageing infrastructure across our beaches and reserves to support our growing visitation and improve our visitor experience for all.   

FURTHER INFORMATION     

If you would like further information, please contact:
Phillip Island Nature Parks
community@penguins.org.au
03 5951 2800 

Phillip Island Nature Parks and Bass Coast Shire Council worked in partnership to upgrade an 800 m section of the Cowes-Rhyll Trail. The project was funded by the Victorian State Government through the Regional Infrastructure Fund, which supports its commitment to upgrade and extend local walking trails to create more active transport opportunities for locals and visitors.

Local contractors and the Nature Parks construction team delivered Stage 2 works which were completed for September school holidays and included:

· 300 m of low boardwalk

· 3 boardwalk ramp structures

· 150 m of concrete path

· 250 m of gravel path upgrade

Planning is underway to develop designs for the upgrade of 6 beach access structures along the Surf Beach Estate coastline. All necessary permits and approvals are being obtained and discussions the Bunurong land council are underway.  Construction will be a staged approach to minimise beach access impacts and timing is yet to be confirmed.

Planning is underway to upgrade the remaining old toilet amenities and replace with new. 

Locations include: 

• Berrys beach 
• Conservation Hill 
• Woolamai Beach 
• Shelly Beach